Tag: School funding

According to a 2021 CDC study, many students are more likely to consume fast food if their school is in close proximity to a restaurant. This proximity fuels the complex discussion around whether, and under what circumstances, why fast food is good in schools, with arguments citing potential benefits ranging from student satisfaction to district economics.

In March 2025, the USDA canceled approximately $1 billion in funding for programs that sourced local food for schools and food banks, leaving many to wonder: are school lunches being cut?. The answer is complex, involving the expiration of temporary pandemic-era programs, new funding cuts, and contentious policy proposals that vary significantly by location.

According to the World Food Programme, over 466 million children worldwide receive meals through government-led programs, underscoring the significant reach of these initiatives. The widespread implementation of school lunch programs has prompted extensive research into their effects, revealing impacts that range from improved student health and concentration to significant reductions in household food insecurity. However, the quality of these meals and program structure can introduce complex issues, such as the debate around processed foods and student nutritional choices.

According to a 2025 survey by the School Nutrition Association, nearly 98% of school meal program directors cited challenges with the cost of food, contributing to the widespread perception that school lunches have deteriorated. In an era of heightened nutritional awareness, many parents and students are left asking: why are school lunches so bad now?